Emmerdale fans were left stunned over a beloved character’s death on Monday’s episode
Olivia Wheeler Content Editor Screen Time
19:40, 15 Dec 2025
Emmerdale fans were left stunned over a beloved character’s death on Monday’s episode (Image: ITV)
Emmerdale aired a surprise death on Monday’s episode leaving soap fans surprised over the twist.
Soap watchers will recall that just last week, Sam Dingle, grappling with financial woes and in an ongoing feud with Joe Tate, organised a shady shoot on Home Farm land without Kim Tate’s knowledge, and his wife Lydia Dingle agreed to distract Kim at the Christmas Fayre, unaware that Kim had arranged a surprise visit from Jason Donovan.
At the shoot, Lydia struggled to keep the secret while Kim insisted on her presence at the Fayre and Oliver’s shooting party demanded food.
The situation deteriorated further when Sam feared vet Vanessa Woodfield had spotted the shoot, a fear confirmed when Vanessa informed Kim about the illicit shoot, prompting her to return to Home Farm to investigate.
Emmerdale fans were left worried for one ITV soap favourite on Friday(Image: ITV)
In a dramatic twist, Kim was soon discovered grievously wounded in the woodland after riding her horse to investigate the shoot, and she was left unable to move her leg before losing consciousness.
Later, she was found by her anxious family and a guilt-ridden Lydia on Friday’s episode after they realised she had gone missing.
Following her urgent admission to hospital, Dawn Fletcher provided updates to a remorseful Lydia and concerned Sam, revealing that Kim’s cherished horse Ice had a homemade snare embedded in its leg which had caused extensive damage, disclosing she was going to involve the police.
At the episode’s conclusion, an update on Kim was given as Dawn admitted that if Kim doesn’t show any improvement “she’s going to lose her leg.”
On Monday’s episode, an update was given on Kim as it was revealed there was no need to amputate her leg and she thankfully woke up from her coma in hospital.
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were left devastated over Ice’s death(Image: ITV)
However, sadly, the same couldn’t be said for her beloved horse Ice as it was revealed that the horse was in a bad way and would likely be in pain for the rest of its life.
Joe made the swift decision to have Ice put down and later told a furious and shocked Kim the devastating news. Joe and Dawn told Kim that vet Vanessa had put Ice down in the morning, promising they were both there as the horse was put to sleep.
Kim was quick to grill Joe about his decision, asking if she was just as replaceable and why he didn’t consider any other option before sending him away. Meanwhile, Lydia was left feeling even more guilty as she vowed to tell the truth…
Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were left devastated over Ice’s death especially as the horse has been part of huge storylines over the years.
One person said alongside a picture of Kim on Ice: “Lost an icon tonight on Emmerdale #Emmerdale” while another added: “Nah cause why did Joe have kims horse put down without even telling her. The audacity of this man. #emmerdale.”
Elsewhere, a different soap watcher penned: “#Emmerdale RIP Ice, you didn’t deserve to be written out just before Christmas”, another put: “Poor Ice Ice Baby #emmerdale” while another added: “Poor Ice and Queen Kim. #Emmerdale.”
Emmerdale continues on weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV and ITV X.
